Clouded Conscience [P]

Sparring had its purposes, however, these purposes were not ones Lucian enjoyed. One could gain much of the physical prowess and mental fortitude attained by spars in a more peaceful, conflict free environment. Such was the reason the genin avoided sparring and fights in general. Granted that did not mean he was not prepared to defend himself. Such a thought would be folly in the world of shinobi where one wrong turn could result in a knife in the back and the last breath from your lips.

"Very well, follow my lead then," Lucian stated matter of factly. "You might not be able to replicate my exact movements, but it is important to match the tempo. As you move, move slow but steady. Each move unyielding and yet controlled."

Nodding more to himself than to Kasai Lucian gave one last bit of advice.

"Control, control is key."

Falling silent, Lucian fell into a rhythm that had been drilled into his very psyche since a young age. To an onlooker the stances would look rather weird as if Lucian were attempting to push an invisible ball of air with his hands. Of course such an onlooker would be extremely naive: this was Lucian's training both of willpower and physicality. So, for the next half an hour Lucian said nothing. Rather he simply went through the motions with an air nearing that of reverence.

At the end of the half hour session Lucian brought his hand together as if he were praying and let out a deep breath. With that his eyes glinted a goldish color and returned to normal. Assuming Kasai had remained for the entirety of the exercise the genin would speak up once again as he relaxed his body dropping his hands to his sides.

"Some people spar and others fight for the hell of it. For me that is my training," Pausing for a second Lucian half considered his next words. "Fighting itself is unnecessary for a strong body and sharp mind; I prefer to avoid fights in general. Thank you for joining me."

For the second time that day, Lucian fell into a shallow bow-a show of thanks. It was not often that someone would walk through the stances with him. Though that may be because the only people besides his family in Funkagakure were cannibals and murderers, but that was besides the point.

Kasai listened as Lucian explained all there was. It was a short verbal explanation, but the real one was physical. Kasai had much experience with remaining motionless for hours, sometimes even days on end. Doing nothing, even attempting not to think. Of course, there were times when meditation was a moment of reflection, and he would think during those. However, there were also times when meditation was meant to be an escape, and during these times, Kasai would try to become a void himself. It was often during this that Kasai would allow himself to grow closer to the only element he knew, and sometimes, he would even feel as if he himself were fire.

He nodded at the end of the explanation.

Kasai would watch the first movement, and then attempt to replicate it. At the beginning, he found it difficult to move to slowly. When he fought, he flew. He was used to moving as fast as the flames around him consumed, but yet, he understood why he must move so slowly; or at least thought he did. To move the body in such a way required the same temperament and the same self control.

For the first five minutes, Kasai watched intently, slowly mimicking the movements Lucian made. He was not entirely sure why the movements were what they were, but he understood the meanings behind them. He continued for a while, until it seemed as if Lucian was at the final stage. Following these final movements, Kasai bowed deeply when Lucian bowed to him.

"I agree," Kasai said. "I have had too much sparring in too little time. It has been nice to take a break. Thank you for allowing me to do this with you, and showing me what you do. It was very peaceful, and enjoyable," Kasai said, inclining his head as a bow again.

He had enjoyed that very much, and wondered now if the man intended to part ways, or perhaps talk a little more.

Comfortable, Lucian had not felt this comfortable since the week he spent on the high seas. Perhaps it was talking with another sensible person or maybe it was that he had just finished meditating? Honestly he could not put his finger on it directly. Perhaps it was a fleeting feeling and he would soon return to the uneasiness he felt before. Though for now he would enjoy it.

"Perhaps we will meet again some time," Lucian said. "For now I must take my leave as I feel a change in the winds, I should be moving on."

Bowing once again, deeper this time than before, Lucian said his farewells.

"I wish you luck in your visit to Kumogakure and beyond, farewell."

He did indeed hope to meet Kasai again. Maybe he would see him in Konoha? Time would tell. The only thing the genin knew for sure was that he had to be moving on. There was more to the shinobi world than Kumogakure and Funkagakure: he intended to see it. Lazily casting his hand behind him chakra string flew from his hands to the still sitting metal figure. The puppet instantly reacted and stood following Lucian as he left. He had to find Taios, or leave him a letter at the very least. Lucian half wondered what the guy had been up to, but thought better of it as he doubted he really wanted to know.

So far he had met a strange man from Konoha and stayed in a village of the damned. Quite the start to a journey. Idly wondering where to head to next Lucian made his way back to the village at a leisurely pace, which quickened as he passed the ring of corpses. Yes, he had quite a bit of planning to do.

"I do hope so," Kasai replied when Lucain mentioned meeting again. "It has been most pleasant to do this with you. And thank you for showing me your way of training; I think I will be continuing it in the future. It is most relaxing and enjoyable, as I have said."

Kasai supposed it was time that he returned to the village. He had yet to see if Youka had returned yet or not. He bowed his head as the man declared his leave.

"I hope you will find whatever it is that you are searching for in this world, and that no trouble comes to you on your journey," he said. "The best of luck be with you as well."

Kasai watched the man go his way, and with that, turned to go his own way. He was glad he had met that one. It was nice to meet nice people. It seemed more rare recently. Everyone wanted something; the corruption of greed had spread far. He walked back up towards the village, his day better for the meeting that had occurred.

(Exit. Not sure if this counts as training, so, am I allowed to make claims for this? Or, does this not quite count in order to learn jutsu/claim ryo?)